We're only in the first week of September, but Tire Rack wants drivers in northern regions to start thinking about snow tires—so the online retailer is offering up to $80 off a new set of four. The deal runs now through September 23, and there's a long list of brand-name tires that qualify.

Here at Car and Driver, we're big advocates of swapping summer or all-season tires out for winter rubber. We do so on all of our long-term test vehicles before Michigan's wintry weather sets in. Our recommendations include Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4, and Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02, all of which qualify for the deal. If you aren't sure which tire is right for your car, Tire Rack's handy guide will walk you through finding the best option.

If you've never purchased a set of tires from Tire Rack before, there are a few things you should know in advance. First of all, unless you're buying new tires mounted on aftermarket rims supplied by Tire Rack, you'll need to have the tires mounted and balanced when they arrive. Most tire shops, dealerships, and local mechanics can provide this service, and some of them will allow you to ship the tires directly to their shop so you don't have to be bothered with handling them.

There's generally a charge for mounting and balancing the tires, but the $80 gift card might easily cover the expense. If you're unsure which shop to go to, Tire Rack can make a recommendation and direct you to local shops they partner with. Usually, it's a lot less effort than it sounds like.